Conversation with a would-be Facebook hacker

Graham Cluley
Graham Cluley
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Earlier today I got into another interminable email exchange with someone who wanted to hack into a Facebook account.

Here’s how the conversation went:

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Varun, if that is his real name, is referring to an article I wrote a while back about a Facebook vulnerability that made it simple to break into any account. The security flaw was fixed before I published details of it, of course.

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And yes, I admit my reply to Varun was a little flippant…

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Varun wasn’t going to be dissuaded, however.

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But I was in a mischievous mood too…

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He hasn’t responded since.

I think Varun might have realised that I’m not going to help him break the law by hacking a Facebook account.

Be sure to take proper care of your online accounts – it’s possible that someone like Varum might be trying to crack into it. Or worse still, someone who knows what they’re doing.

If you are on Facebook, and want to be kept updated with news about security and privacy risks, and tips on how to protect yourself online, join the Graham Cluley Security News Facebook page.


Graham Cluley is an award-winning keynote speaker who has given presentations around the world about cybersecurity, hackers, and online privacy. A veteran of the computer security industry since the early 1990s, he wrote the first ever version of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit for Windows, makes regular media appearances, and is the co-host of the popular "Smashing Security" podcast. Follow him on Twitter, Mastodon, Threads, Bluesky, or drop him an email.

3 comments on “Conversation with a would-be Facebook hacker”

  1. Jeremy

    How could you Graham, you just enlightened this would be hacker about phishing. :P
    Whatever you do, don't tell him about the online hacking forums.

  2. Should he ask again, answer him simply: "in order to ensure you are who you say you are, give me YOUR Facebook password."

    While I mean that in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way, I imagine you may well get his password!

  3. Sarah

    Some people are not troubled by thoughts of ethics and honesty. How simple life must be for them, eh? On the other hand, speaking and walking upright might give them a few problems, especially if they're called upon to do them simultaneously.

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